SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A record-setting throw in the discus and the second-best throw in program history in the hammer throw helped the Winona State track and field team grab ahold of first place after the first day of the NSIC Outdoor Championships on Friday. The Warriors scored 42 points through seven events, leading second-place Wayne State by four points, and third-place U-Mary by eight points.
If senior thrower
Alissa Rausch wasn't content with setting the top mark in Division II and the Winona State discus throw record, she added one more record-breaking performance to her accolades as she broke the NSIC Outdoor Championship record.
Rausch fouled all but one throw, but the one throw she landed in play was a record-setter. Her throw of 53.92-meters (176' 11") broke the previous record held by former WSU thrower Mary Theisen by eight inches, who set the original NSIC record in 2011.
Freshman thrower
Kaitlyn Long took home the gold in the hammer throw with a career-best throw of 57.89-meters (189' 11"). Her throw was the second-best throw in program history and broke her previous career-best by more than seven feet. Her throw also marked the eighth best throw in Division II this season.
Nicole Nelson also had a strong showing in the hammer throw as well, throwing a career-best 55.44-meters (181' 11"). Her throw is the fifth-best throw in program history and the 19th best throw in Division II this season.
Abbey Ristow also took fifth with a 53.24-meter (174' 8" throw).
It was a solid day for the Warrior runners in the prelim events as well.
Megan Seidl set the third-best time in Winona State history in the 200-meter run after finishing with a time a 25.00. Her previous career-best was 25.22.
Winona State had three qualifiers for tomorrow's final in the 1500-meter run.
Chelsea Schrubbe,
Amanda Kaiser, and
Jordan Paschke all qualified to run in the final.
Catherine Whitcomb also qualified to run in the 400-meter run final with a time of 57.92 and
Katie Bagley also qualified for WSU in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:17.29.
Winona State will compete in the second day of events, starting at 11 a.m. tomorrow with the shot put and triple jump events.
